Max Allen Cates, 94, passed away Friday, July 14, 2017, in Grand Island.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at All Faiths Funeral Home with the Rev. Caroline Price-Gibson officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and Grand Island Veterans Honor Guard.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Max was born May 7, 1923, in Grand Island, the son of Dr. L. A. Cates and Edith M. (Aldrich) Cates. He grew up in Grand Island and graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 1941. Max was employed at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition plant before entering the United States Army in March 1943. He served during World War II with the 36th Tank Battalion of the 8th Armored Division in the European Theatre. Max was the recipient of three Battle Stars: the Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), Rhineland and Central Europe. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic service in ground combat. He then served in the Army of Occupation. Max was honorably discharged in January 1946.
After the service, Max worked in San Diego, Calif., for a few years before returning to the Midwest to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he received both his bachelor's and master's degrees in education. He taught school for two years in Atchison, Kan., followed by 25 years at Grand Island Senior High before retiring in 1987. He was united in marriage to Sandy Weich on June 7, 1964.
An active member of the Order of DeMolay, Max received the Degree of Chevalier and Legion of Honor. He was a DeMolay advisor for 14 years (1963-1977) with the Grand Island Chapter. He was a Past Master of Ashlar Lodge #33 AF and AM where he was a 50-year member, a member of Scottish Rite, Tehama Shrine, a Charter Member of Tehama Legion of Honor and a member of the Shrine Motor Patrol. He was a life member of the VFW and a member of the First Presbyterian Church and American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, traveling and reading.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter and son-in-law, Heidi and Scott Brammer of Omaha; three grandchildren, Chase, Cole and Kate; along with extended family and many wonderful friends.
Max was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy; his parents; two sons, Matthew Cates and Michael Cates; a sister, Dorothy "Do" Trupp; and brother, Jack A. Cates.
Memorials are suggested to the Masonic Eastern Star Home for Children, Shriners Hospitals for Children or First Presbyterian Church.